Internet now a ‘playground for paedophiles’ with vile fiends free to prowl for prey online

THE internet can be a “playground for paedophiles”, the NSPCC has warned.

Figures suggest rising numbers of kids are worried about grooming.

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Risky business ... the NSPCC has warned that the Internet can be a “playground for paedophiles”

Statistics from Childline show counselling sessions for youngsters anxious about online sexual abuse jumped by 24 per cent to 3,716 in 2015/16.

Most of those were aged between 12 and 15 and more than half were girls. The online abuse category covers issues including grooming, sexual harassment and communications, pressure to engage in or view explicit material online and sexual extortion.

One in eight of the counselling sessions in 2015/16 were related ­specifically to grooming — a rise of 21 per cent.

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Sharp increase ... youngsters reporting being anxious about online sexual abuse jumped by 24 per cent to 3,716 in 2015/16

The charity's chief executive Peter Wanless said: “Online can be a playground for paedophiles, exposing young people to groomers who trawl social networks.”

Childline founder Esther Rantzen said the internet has brought many positive changes.

But she added: “It has also brought dangers and grooming is a real risk.” Childline is launching a new campaign, Listen To Your Selfie, to help young people recognise the signs of grooming and unhealthy relationships, both online and offline.

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Reasons to be cheerful ... Childline founder Esther Rantzen said the internet has brought many positive changes

Mr Wanless said: “We hope by putting this in the spotlight we can help youngsters to speak up if they feel worried or scared about a situation.”